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Sheriff’s candidate loses write-in campaign

The Associated Press
Published 12:44 p.m. MT Nov. 10, 2014

A write-in candidate for the job of Powell County sheriff lost by 90 votes in a race in which election judges threw out 238 write-in votes, many because they only included the candidate’s last name.
(Photo11:
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BUTTE – A write-in candidate for Powell County sheriff lost by 90 votes in a race in which election judges threw out 238 write-in votes, many because they only included the candidate’s last name.

Sheriff Scott Howard held on to his post with a 994-904 margin over challenger Gavin Roselles, who entered the race in August after losing his job as a deputy due to cutbacks.

Elections administrator Diane Grey tells the Missoulian that a directive to Montana’s 56 counties from Secretary of State Linda McCulloch said write-in ballots with just a last name could not be counted. The oval also had to be filled in.

Grey said 2,341 ballots were cast and 1,142 had write-ins for sheriff. Not all write-in voters understood what they needed to do to have their vote count, Grey said.

Roselle said he’s heard from voters who “feel a little bit disenfranchised” and are urging him to petition for a recount. He is seeking legal advice on whether to pursue a recount. He has five days after canvassing is complete Nov. 18 to petition for one.

When he launched his campaign, Roselles said he believed that clear voter intent was the criterion for a valid write-in vote so he only put his last name on campaign signs.

He didn’t learn until two weeks before the election that his first name or initials would be required for a vote to count and by then “it’s a little late to revamp your campaign,” Roselles said.